Lamb dressed in a leg o’mutton

Edwardian shirtwaist project #1 was abandoned, but I invested in a Truly Victorian shirtwaist pattern [even bigger sleeves] and cut this one out instead, in an aqua shot silk dupion which was previously a curtain.

The pattern is drafted beautifully [sorry, but the Reconstructing History one was a nightmare], and went together very straightforwardly.

I did the cheat’s method on the V shaped yokes, folding under the seam allowance, laying it OVER the gathered piece, and just top-stitching it all down.

The ginormous sleeves are supported with some silk organza sleeve heads [they used all sorts of tricks historically, including just stuffing them with paper!] I forgot to attach these before putting on the gathering threads though, so they caused a little grief, bunching where they shouldn’t. After fighting it, I crushed my impatient to finish side, and took the threads out and re-did them.

I added the peplum option, so it can be worn in or out of a skirt. The waist is gathered to a band. Simple construction, French seams wherever possible. The cuffs are simply faced.

Construction was very fast…and I narrowly missed stitching giganto-sleeve #1 in backwards. Thankfully, I noticed before I stitched and neatened it!

Nearly done…but that sleeve is on backwards. Sigh.

I re-positioned the sleeves, basted and stitched [that’s a lot of gathers to trust to just pins], then did a bit of hand sewing inside, catching down facings etc. I mused over buttons for a bit, and chose to use some more of the antique glass ones I used before on Dawn’s penguin shirt at Xmas. 8 buttonholes using the vintage Singer attachment, and done.

Et voila!

No energy left to get into corset for pics, so that can wait a while, but meanwhile, here’s a quick snap of the finished item. I was thinking of putting some lace trim on it, but it’s pretty amazing as it is. Dawn’s so impressed I have to cut the other curtain up to make her a shirt too. We’ll be like the von Trapps!

15 thoughts on “Lamb dressed in a leg o’mutton”

Oh my word! That blouse is the bees knees. What a glorious colour, shape and general blousieness. Those sleeves are a statement. Bet this looks fabulous on. Glad to hear that you found a better pattern. Xc

The sleeves are vast. VAST! I love ’em. I’ve only slipped it on and held it as closed as possible with my uncorseted belly rolling free…but the sleeves make me smirk. Can’t wait to tog up and get the full effect. the black cotton one should zoom together even more quickly now, as I chose the simpler style…

I wish they were still selling this two-tone silk, but unfortunately not. It’s the same fabric [different colourway] as I used for the wife’s wedding dress. It’s lovely to work with, and even SMELLS nice somehow!

Wow. Awesome! And what a treat to have this stitch up so well when the previous gave you such a lot of grief. I’m really looking forward to seeing you in it – and I understand Dawn’s demand. Shot silk is just delicious, the shimmer is lovely.